The Spartan Spirit Award has been presented annually since 1992 to a member in good standing of the Downtown Coaches Club who, in the opinion of the Board, has best displayed true Spartan spirit through actions and deeds in promoting athletic teams of Michigan State University.

The 2007 recipient is Pat McPharlin, president and chief executive officer of the MSU Federal Credit Union. McPharlin has served on the MSU National Alumni Board and has been a great friend of MSU football through his company's various sponsorships including the Downtown Coaches Club Player of the Week and Student of the Week awards. McPharlin has also organized his employees to do community outreach work that support charitable activities like Habitat for Humanity, Angel House, Children's Miracle Network, United Way and WKAR. A resident of Laingsburg, McPharlin and his wife Victoria have four children and two grandchildren.